Thaindian News

New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) The test run of bus rapid transit system (BRTS) corridor between Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand Sunday has shown that more discipline is called for from the prospective users, said the officials associated with the project. “It is a system trial, and will continue for days before the corridor is officially thrown open for the users May 1,” Manoj Aggarwal, a senior official of Delhi Integrated Multimodal Transit System (DIMTS), told IANS.

“There were not many jams, but educating the people on how to use the route remains a key challenge. The motorists must stick to the lanes meant for them,” he said.

A joint venture of the Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) and the city government, DIMTS is the implementing agency for the 15.5-km long Ambedkar Nagar-Delhi Gate BRTS corridor.

The test run took place along the 5.6-km long Ambedkar Nagar-Moolchand in south Delhi.

“The teething problems are there, but will be sorted out in a week’s time. The concept is new. The lane driving has never been serious issue for the city motorists, something the BRTS strictly calls for. The traffic marshals are being accordingly trained,” he added.

“The corridor on each side has four lanes, meant for the buses, scooters and cars, cyclists and pedestrians. The width of the bus lane is 3.5 metres, while that of the scooters-cars 7 metres, cyclists and pedestrians each have two metres wide lane,” R.S. Minhans, senior manager, BRTS, said.

Minhans said around 25 high-capacity low-floor buses along with others plied on the route.

There were slight jams because traffic signals broke down at places and because the bus drivers made some mistakes, the official said.

“The overall experience was good. Things will be all right by the time the route is finally opened for the traffic. The users of the corridor must adhere to the lane driving to have the feel of the new corridors. It is a must,” Minhans said.